35 ‘Horrible’ Places You Can Visit by Car Just Outside London!

Discover underwhelming yet strangely alluring day trips just a car ride away from London. Darek and Gosia guide you through Britain’s most lacklustre gems, where the disappointment is as real as the beauty. Perfect for those who enjoy irony as much as travel.

Ever thought London was a bit too much? The noise, the hustle, the ‘oh-so-tedious’ culture and the cosmopolitan buzz? Sometimes you just need a break. But before you go dreaming of exotic escapes, consider this: we’ve found 35 dreadful, eye-rollingly beautiful places right outside London that you can visit by car.

Brace yourselves, we, Darek and Gosia, are taking you on a car journey through landscapes so heinous; that you might actually miss the M25.

Tempting, isn’t it? We’ve got historical villages, scenic landscapes, and places so steeped in culture that you’ll want to run screaming back to the graffiti-filled alleys of Shoreditch.

Contents show

So let’s get this ‘torturous’ journey started, shall we?

Day trips from London by car 1 hour away

Fancy a quick getaway just an hour from London? Windsor is perfect for aspiring monarchs, while Oxford beckons those ready for an impromptu thesis. St Albans, meanwhile, offers a walk down history lane without the commitment of a long drive. These short jaunts give you a change of scene, and a bit of British quirk, without eating up your entire day.

Is an hour’s drive for a day trip worth it? Strangely enough, yes.

Places to visit outside London by car
Best places to visit near London by car

Places to visit outside London by car

1. Castle Combe: Quaint Hell by Car

Drive to Castle Combe, and you’ll feel like you’ve teleported back to a time when WiFi was a fantasy and knights were galavanting around. It’s so quaint you’ll want to claw your eyes out. A mere hour and a half drive from London, it’s as if you’ve entered a parallel universe where modernity took a backseat.

Why You Shouldn’t Visit Castle Combe by Car

  • Lack of Chains: No Starbucks here. Shocking!
  • Tiny Streets: Where’s the traffic? We miss the traffic.
  • Too Many Cottages: Enough said.
Day Trips from London by car - Castle Combe
Places to visit near London by car – Castle Combe

2. St Albans: Roman Rubbish Just Outside London

Sick of the tube? How about a Roman theatre then? Just a 45-minute drive from London, St Albans is where history buffs go to die happy. But if you’re not one, you might just die of boredom.

Reasons Not to Drive to St AlbansExplanations
Roman TheatreOverrated!
Farmers’ MarketSupermarkets are best.
The CathedralIt’s not the Shard.
Places to visit outside London by car - St Albans
Places to visit outside London by car – St Albans

3. Old Amersham: Ancient Agony Near London

Just 50 minutes by car from Central London, Old Amersham is a cobblestone disaster. Perfect for anyone wanting to feel as if they’ve stepped into a Jane Austen novel, but without Mr. Darcy.

Pitfalls of Old Amersham

  1. Ye Olde Tea Rooms: Great, if you like tea more than life.
  2. Artisan Shops: Where’s Primark when you need it?
  3. Close to London: So close, yet so painfully different.
Day trips from London by car - Old Amersham
Day trips near me by car – Old Amersham

4. Abingdon: The Wasteland by Car

Journey to Abingdon, a little over an hour by car from London, if you want to experience the agony of a quiet, well-behaved market town. It’s like London’s polite, unbearable cousin.

Day trips from London by car - Abingdon
Places to visit near London by car – Abingdon

5. Marlow: Thames Terror

Would you visit Marlow? Close enough to London for a quick escape, but far enough to be unbearable. The Thames here doesn’t even have a single discarded shopping trolley. What’s the point?

Why Marlow is Disastrous

  • Boating: Perfectly awful for land-lovers.
  • Michelin Stars: Because everyone hates good food.
  • Proximity to London: Close but no cigar.
Day trips from London by car - Day out to Marlow
Day trip from London by car – Marlow

Ah, there you have it, folks. Top five abominable day trips just a car drive away from London. So horrible, they’re actually… stunning? Drive out at your own risk, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.

6. Windsor: Royally Awful

A 50-minute drive from London, Windsor offers something truly dreadful—majestic views and royal palaces. Gosia nearly shed a tear at the thought of the sheer dignity and grace that infuses this town.

Avoid Windsor BecauseWhy It’s Horrible
State ApartmentsFar too grand.
Windsor Great ParkToo much fresh air.
The QueenCould run into royalty. Ugh.
Day trips from London by car 1 hour - Windsor
Day trips from London by car 1 hour – Windsor

7. Wallingford: The Quiet Nightmare Outside of London

Fancy a drive through peaceful countryside? Wallingford is around an hour and a half’s drive from London and brings a whole new level of tedium to your life. This town is so quiet, Darek joked he could hear his own thoughts. Now that’s terrifying, isn’t it?

Reasons to Skip Wallingford

  1. Market Place: Markets are so last century.
  2. River Thames: Different section, same old river.
  3. Ancient Ruins: As if London doesn’t have enough old stuff.
Day trip from London by car - Wallingford
Places to visit outside London by car – Wallingford

8. Hitchin Lavender Farm: Smell the Suffering

An hour’s drive from London, Hitchin Lavender Farm is the kind of place you visit when you’ve given up on the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s an aromatic crime scene, with rows upon rows of lavender.

Don’t Drive to Hitchin BecauseIt’s Simply Terrible
Too FragrantOverload for the nose.
Endless Lavender FieldsColour monotony.
SeasonalCan’t suffer all year.
Road trips from London - Hitchin lavender farm
Best day trips from London by car – Lavender Farm

9. Brighton: The Beach Blunder by Car

Just about a two-hour drive from London, Brighton is the sort of place you go to when you hate both yourself and sandcastles. The seaside town offers views so distressingly beautiful, Gosia almost forgot she was out of London.

Why Brighton is a No-Go

  • Pebble Beach: What, no sand?
  • Pier: Completely overrated.
  • Brighton Lanes: Because who likes quirky shops?
Day trips near me by car - Brighton
London day trips by car – Brighton

10. Wendover: Forest Folly Near London

An hour from London by car and you arrive in Wendover, the gateway to despair in the form of the Chiltern Hills. If trees and fresh air give you hives, steer clear.

Avoid Wendover BecauseWhy it’s a Bad Idea
Wendover WoodsToo much green.
Walking TrailsExercise is overrated.
Canal WalksLike rivers, but worse.
Day trips from London by car - Wendover
Day trips by car from London – Wendover

So there you are, 10 out of 35 jaw-droppingly dull and heartbreakingly stunning places just a car drive from London. The agony and the ecstasy, all rolled into day trips that you could – but probably shouldn’t – take. But if you do, you’ve only got yourself to blame. Stay tuned for more excruciatingly beautiful locations!

11. Henley-on-Thames: The Riverside Ruin

Ah, Henley-on-Thames, the eternal rival of London’s South Bank but without the tourists begging you to take their photo. A 90-minute car ride from London, Henley offers the unique experience of being close to the capital but feeling miles away, in terms of both distance and excitement.

Pitfalls of Henley-on-Thames

  1. Regatta: Oh look, more boats.
  2. Museums: Like London’s but smaller and quieter.
  3. Bridge: Because London clearly lacks those.
Day trips from London by car - Henley-on-Thames
One day trip from London by car – Henley-on-Thames

12. Sonning-on-Thames: Where Even the Ducks are Posh

Just about an hour by car from London, Sonning-on-Thames is a village so tranquil, it’s as if someone hit the mute button on life. Perfectly dreadful if you’re the sort who thrives on London’s chaos.

Why Sonning-on-Thames is a BustExplanation
Local TheatreCulture alert!
Georgian ArchitectureModernity is king.
River AgainWe’re Thames-ed out.
Best day trips from London by car - Sonning on Thames
Day trips from London by car one hour away – Sonning

13. Oxford: The Ivy-Covered Letdown

An hour and a half’s drive from London, Oxford is where intelligence goes to show off. Yes, there’s the university, but don’t you miss London’s blissful ignorance?

Reasons to Skip Oxford

  1. Bookshops: Because digital is forever.
  2. Colleges: Too many, too grand.
  3. The Ashmolean: Art? We have Instagram.
Day trips from London by car - Oxford
Day trips by car from London – Oxford

14. Berkhamsted: Castle Ruins and Other Boring Bits

Drive an hour north-west from London and you’ll find Berkhamsted. It’s got a ruined castle and the Grand Union Canal – ideal for people who think excitement is overrated.

Berkhamsted’s Downfalls

  • Historic Market: Yawn.
  • Castle Ruins: Double yawn.
  • Proximity to London: So close but oh-so-far.
Places to visit outside London by car - Berkhamsted
Days out from London by car – Berkhamsted

15. Bath: Just Like London But Sleepier

Around a two-hour drive from London, Bath is like a lesser clone of our beloved city but with Roman spas and Georgian architecture. Talk about an identity crisis!

Reasons Not to Visit BathThe Dull Details
Roman BathsToo historical.
Royal CrescentOverkill on symmetry.
Bath AbbeyIt’s no St. Paul’s.
Places to visit outside London by car - Bath
Place to visit outside London by car – Bath

16. Guildford: The Countryside Conundrum

Guildford, an hour’s drive from London, is so packed with greenery, you’d think you’d accidentally driven into a garden centre. Even Darek found it unsettlingly peaceful.

Why Guildford is a Disaster

  1. Countryside: So much green, so little time.
  2. Guildford Castle: Small fry.
  3. Surrey Hills: They’re not even mountains!

17. National Trust Ashridge Estate: Too Much Nature

A short drive from London and you’ll find yourself in the National Trust Ashridge Estate. Acres and acres of woodlands and, well, more woodlands.

Pitfalls of Ashridge Estate

  • Too Much Space: Claustrophobes beware!
  • Woodlands: Trees everywhere!
  • Wildlife: It’s like a Disney movie.
Places to visit for one day trip near me - National Trust Ashridge Estate
1 hour from London by car – Ashridge Estate

18. Margate: The Seaside Snore

An hour and a half by car from London, Margate boasts beaches and art galleries so boringly spectacular, they might just put you to sleep.

Why Margate is a FlopSolid Reasons
BeachesSand is overrated.
Turner ContemporaryIt’s no Tate Modern.
Retro ShopsWho needs nostalgia?
Day trips from London by car - Margate
Nice places to visit outside London by car – Margate

19. Cardiff: A Capital Mistake

Two hours by car from London, and suddenly you’re in another country! Wales welcomes you with its capital, Cardiff. Great, if you like castles and dislike excitement.

Reasons to Shun Cardiff

  1. Welsh Culture: Too far from London’s melting pot.
  2. Cardiff Bay: It’s no Thames.
  3. Cardiff Castle: A castle too many.
Day trip from London by car - Cardiff
One day trip near me by car – Cardiff

20. Bicester Village: The Shopping Sham

Just an hour’s drive from London, Bicester Village is where fashion goes to die and then miraculously resurrects at discount prices. Gosia couldn’t even find a pair of shades to hide her disapproval.

Why Bicester Village is Abysmal

  • Discounts: Who wants a bargain?
  • Designer Stores: Ugh, fashion.
  • Outdoor Setup: Shopping should be an indoor sport.

With 20 down and more to go, we continue our perilous journey to explore day trips that are just a car drive away from London. They’re so abysmally beautiful that you might need to prepare an excuse for why you’re coming back to London. Stay tuned for more unmissable misery!

21. Stratford-upon-Avon: The Bard’s Boring Birthplace

Ah, Stratford-upon-Avon, a two-hour car drive from London. If you’re up for a day of Shakespearean melodrama minus the drama, this is your place. Darek thought even Hamlet would be livelier.

Why Stratford-upon-Avon is Tedious

  1. Shakespeare’s Home: Literature alert!
  2. River Avon: Yet another river to snooze by.
  3. Theatre Galore: Tragedy indeed.
Places to visit near London by car - Stratford-upon-Avon
One day trip from London by car – Stratford-upon-Avon

22. Chalfont St Giles: The Village of Eternal Yawns

Roughly an hour by car from London, Chalfont St Giles is so quaint, you could use it as a sleeping aid. This place is essentially a British stereotype come to life, minus the excitement.

Reasons to Skip Chalfont St Giles

  • Milton’s Cottage: Words, words, words.
  • Village Green: Nothing to see here.
  • Traditional Pubs: Because London has none of those, right?

Reasons to Avoid ChalfontExplanation
Too QuaintYawn.
Historical HousesSo last century.
Proximity to LondonClose but no cigar.
Local EventsUnimpressively festive.
One day trip from London by car - Chalfont St Giles
Days out from London by car – Chalfont St Giles

23. Stonehenge: Where Rocks are the Main Attraction

A two-hour car drive from London, Stonehenge is a classic. A classic example of how exciting rocks standing in a field can be. It’s like a history lesson without the classroom.

Why Stonehenge is a Stone-cold No

  1. Ancient Stones: Yay, rocks.
  2. Tourist Crowds: Like London but less fashionable.
  3. Expensive Tickets: For rocks.
Places to visit from London by car - Stonehenge
Day out outside London by car – Stonehenge

24. Isle of Wight: An Island of Tedium

Two hours by car and a bit by ferry from London, and you’re on the Isle of Wight. It’s a complete change of scenery if you’ve grown tired of London’s charisma and need some good old-fashioned monotony in your life.

Reasons Not to Visit Isle of WightThe Dull Details
Ferry RequiredExtra effort.
BeachesBeen there, done that.
Island VibeWhere’s the action?
Historical SitesZzz…
Day trip from London by car - Isle of Wight
London day trips by car – Isle of Wight

25. Cobham Surrey: The Pinnacle of Dullness

Just a quick 30-minute drive from London, Cobham Surrey offers the unique blend of being both near and far from excitement. It’s what you might call a “non-happening” place. Even Gosia felt her enthusiasm waning.

Cobham’s Downfalls

  • Painshill Park: Beauty without the buzz.
  • Traditional Inns: London’s are better.
  • The Medicine Garden: Healthy but heinous.

So there we go, 25 excruciatingly dull yet devastatingly beautiful places just a car ride away from London. As you can see, the list is growing and the options for disappointing day trips are nearly endless. Stay tuned as we plunge further into this abyss of day-tripping despair.

26. New Forest: Where Trees Steal the Limelight

An hour and a half by car from London, the New Forest is essentially a big garden without the landscapers. Here, nature goes wild and you’re supposed to love it for that. Darek couldn’t find a single Wi-Fi hotspot among the trees.

Reasons to Disregard New Forest

  1. Wild Ponies: No horsepower.
  2. Walking Trails: Legwork, literally.
  3. Camping Sites: Who needs a comfy London flat?
Places to visit outside London by car - New Forest
Places to visit by car near me – New Forest

27. Cheddar Gorge: The Cheese Trap

About a two-hour drive from London, Cheddar Gorge is a picturesque nightmare. Imagine cliffs, caves, and cheese – each as underwhelming as the last.

Cheddar Gorge’s LetdownsA Closer Look
CliffsOverrated heights.
CavesDamp and dark.
Cheese MakingIt’s no cheddar popcorn.
Day trips by car from London - Cheddar Gorge
Best day trips from London by car – Cheddar Gorge

28. Bibury: The Village of Yore

Another two-hour car journey from London, and you’re in Bibury. Known for its historic cottages and trout farm, it’s a perfect place if you’re writing a paper on “How to Survive a Day of Utter Boredom”.

Reasons to Bypass Bibury

  • Arlington Row: Houses in a row, how novel.
  • Trout Farm: Fishy business.
  • Quaintness Overload: Enough said.
One day trip from London by car - Bibury
Car day trips from London – Bibury

29. Dorchester-on-Thames: Where Time Stands Still

Just over an hour’s drive from London, Dorchester-on-Thames offers a monotonous blast from the past with its abbey and antique fairs. Even the river looks bored here.

Don’t-Visit Features of DorchesterThe Explanation
AbbeyIt’s no Westminster.
Antique FairsOld but not gold.
Thames Yet AgainOne river too many.
Places to visit by car near me - Dorchester-on-Thames
Day trips near me – Dorchester-on-Thames

30. Seven Sisters Cliffs: White Cliffs, Wide Yawns

About a two-hour car ride from London, Seven Sisters Cliffs offer stunning views that you could very easily Google from the comfort of your London home. Why bother?

Seven Sins of Seven Sisters

  1. White Cliffs: As thrilling as watching paint dry.
  2. Long Walks: Exercise is overrated.
  3. Lack of Amenities: It’s the countryside, what did you expect?
London day trips by car - Seven Sisters Cliffs
Day road trips from London – Seven Sisters Cliffs

31. Peak District: Where Excitement Reaches a New Low

A bit of a stretch at three hours by car from London, but if you’re hell-bent on being unimpressed, the Peak District is your destination. Gosia brought a book – she knew what she was in for.

Dismal Highs of the Peak District

  1. Hiking Routes: They call it “Peak” for a reason.
  2. Scenic Views: Still couldn’t beat London’s skyline.
  3. Historic Sites: They’re not making history anymore.
Days out from London by car - Peak District
Driving day trips from London – Peak District

32. Cambridge: Academia Never Looked So Dull

A relatively easy hour and a half by car from London, Cambridge is where fun goes to earn a degree in boredom. Think you’ll escape monotony here? Think again.

Why You’d Want to Miss CambridgeElaboration
UniversitiesOverachievers only.
PuntingNot as fun as it sounds.
MuseumsSnooze-fests in disguise.
London day trips by car - Cambridge
Places to visit from London by car – Cambridge

33. Silverstone Circuit: Revving Down the Excitement

Just over an hour by car from London, Silverstone Circuit is motor racing’s answer to a midlife crisis. It’s where cars go fast, and your excitement goes downhill.

Silverstone’s Shortcomings

  • Loud Engines: What did you say? I can’t hear you.
  • Expensive Tickets: All for circling a track.
  • Merchandise Shops: Overpriced mementos of your dull day.
Best day trips from London by car - Silverstone Circuit
Day out from London by car – Silverstone Circuit

34. Rye: The Sea of Sameness

About a two-hour drive from London, Rye is your typical British coastal town—charming and utterly forgettable. Sea, salt, and snore.

Reasons to Ignore RyeIn Short
Cobbled StreetsTrip over excitement.
Fishing BoatsCatching Zs, not fish.
Small Town CharmBig town boredom.
Places to visit outside London by car - Rye
Best places to visit outside London by car – Rye

35. Bournemouth: The Coast of Disappointment

A two-hour car trip from London will get you to Bournemouth. It’s like a beach holiday, but with all the joy sucked out. Sun, sea, and a serious lack of fun.

Bournemouth’s Bland Points

  1. Sandy Beaches: Overrated.
  2. Shopping: London does it better.
  3. Surfing: Wiping out is the highlight.

There you have it – a comprehensive guide to depressingly uninspiring yet oddly beautiful places you could waste your time visiting outside of London by car. Stay tuned for more riveting disappointments as we continue to explore Britain’s underbelly of tedium.

Day trips from London by car - Bournemouth
Places near London to visit by car – Bournemouth

What to visit outside London by car?

Keen to see what lies just a stone’s throw from London? Here’s a list that covers a variety of natural landscapes, all perfect for a day trip. Gosia and I have had our fair share of these trips, and let’s just say they offer a different kind of ‘wow’ factor.

Forests:

  • Epping Forest: An ancient woodland that makes you forget London ever existed.
  • Ashridge Estate: Trust us, the woodland walks are an Instagrammer’s dream.

Hills and Valleys:

  • Chiltern Hills: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty—no joke, that’s an official term.
  • Surrey Hills: More hills, more beauty, more “Why did I not visit sooner?”

Beaches:

  • Brighton Beach: Pebbles instead of sand, but hey, it’s the experience that counts.
  • Whitstable: Known for oysters and, well, more oysters.

Riversides:

  • Henley-on-Thames: A riverside town that’s more than just a regatta.
  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare’s birthplace and a charming riverside setting.

So, whether it’s forests, hills, beaches, or riversides you’re after, there’s something for everyone – and every mood. I prefer the hills, Gosia loves the beaches; you see, life’s about choices!

Are day trips from London by car worth it?

Pondering the age-old question of whether day trips from London by car are worth the petrol, eh? You’ll be delighted to swap the city’s buzz for a countryside that’s almost suspiciously quiet. The motorways might test your patience, but at least you’re not tied to a train timetable.

Then comes the joy of fuel costs and parking. You’ll bypass the train fares, sure, but prepare for a romantic relationship with petrol stations. Parking? Well, let’s just say it’s a bit like playing bingo but without the prize money.

Despite these little hiccups, there’s something oddly charming about escaping London for a day. So, is it worth it? In a way that defies logic but makes perfect British sense, absolutely.

darekandgosia